Challenger title a confidence booster, says Thompson

But his first sojourn here proved to be a fruitful one as he defeated India’s Yuki Bhambri in a hard fought final to claim the trophy. From bowing out early in three successive events to winning a title, the Australian saw it all pan out in a span of just 45 days. 

“I started the year with three losses. It’s good to win a tournament and get myself out of the losing streak. A title to my name is obviously a confidence booster,” said Thompson in a satisfying tone after coming up trumps. 

“There was a bit of pressure on me as I was the number one seed. I dealt with it pretty well, losing only one set throughout the week. It is nice when to manage to beat a quality player like Yuki,” added the 23-year-old. 

Speaking on his journey to the state’s capital, the Sydney-born lad asserted, “It’s been a good first trip to India. The hotels and the facilities here are good. I wouldn’t rule out a possibility of coming back here again.” 

When asked about his dubious record of hitting so many double faults during the title clash, the Aussie added, “The conditions were slow and it was a good surface to return. It didn’t panic me much, it was my serve which won me the game in the end. He had the same problem too. He didn’t hit many double faults as I did but at the same time he wasn’t able to secure points through aces.” 

Thompson had to save a match point in the tenth game of the final set before serving for the championship. Commenting on it, he remarked, “I was on the back foot and he had a match point as well. He played a lot of forehands and hit them deep. I managed to scrap back and get myself out of trouble.”